Denis Walsh, Alberta, Canada, formerly of Craughdarrig. He was popular on the local scene, enjoying a few sociable drinks. Denis passed on to his eternal reward after a short illness at the grand age of 88. He had been residing in Canada for many years but never lost touch with home. A teacher by profession Denis lived in England for a number of years and later secured a teaching post in Canada where he was to spend the rest of his life. From the very outset he became actively involved in the Irish emigrant population in Canada, wheren he made a legion of friends. In his youth Denis was a fine footballer, playing with the local Craughdarrig Emmets side and was widely admired for his prowess at the game all over the North Kerry area. Later, he went on to star with Shannon Rangers and Kerry and the love of the game stayed with him all his life. Denis is the second last surviving member of the Shannon Rangers team that won the County Championship back in 1945. Of course he came from a family with a very strong Gaelic football tradition with his brother Jack winning four Al Irelands medals with the Kerry team while his brother, Dick, was also a great footballer. He enjoyed coming home for the All Ireland final, when Kerry were in the deciders. Denis was always well informed on activities at home as he got his copy of The Kerryman posted to him every week. A man of kind and genial nature, Denis was a great conversationalist and was well briefed on topics of any nature whether it be sport, politics or anything else. Denis had friends in every county in Ireland. Denis's popularity was evidenced in the final stage of his illness, with many of his good friends calling to see him on a regular basis. At the end Denis knew he was going to die but he accepted it with great dignity. Just days before his death some of his friends called to see him and held a sing song. Denis was the last surviving member of the old generation of the Walsh family and he will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him at both sides of the Atlantic ocean. Denis is survived by his wife Margaret, sons Denis and Brendan, daughters Anne, Carmel, grandchildren and extended family. - courtesy of Limerick Leader, 11th March 2008 Tweet

Most Read Stories